Eintracht Frankfurt’s captain Laura Freigang is in the squad of the national soccer team despite ongoing disciplinary proceedings. “Laura is eligible to play, she has impressed with her sporting achievements – that’s why she’s there,” said Nia Künzer, DFB director of women’s football, at a press conference to nominate the squad for the international matches against Australia on October 9th in Karlsruhe and on October 13th against Japan in Bremen.
Proceedings against her release have been ongoing for months: According to the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA), the 28-year-old is said to have failed to be at the location she specified for a doping control three times within twelve months. Because of the missed tests, the 44-time international player is threatened with a long ban. The case is now with the German Football Association, which is responsible for the disciplinary proceedings against the athlete.
These so-called strikes are a violation of the reporting requirement, which, according to NADA, usually leads to a ban of two years. If the association also discovers a violation, the case will end up before the control committee and sports court. There, Freigang can explain the circumstances and have the violations checked. Freigang is not suspected of doping. According to the media, all samples taken so far have been negative.
Praise from national coach Wück
Freigang was not named in the DFB squad for the two World Cup qualifiers in June against Norway and Slovenia. At the time it was said that this was not related to the possible anti-doping violations.
“Her performance in the club has changed. She scores goals, she plays in a slightly different position. Her demeanor on the pitch, her presence have changed,” said national coach Christian Wück about the returnee.